Ascension Parish was created in 1807 and is named for the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Ascension Parish is also known as Louisiana’s “Sweet Spot”. The parish borders Baton Rouge and is only 50 miles from New Orleans.
The parish seat is Donaldsonville which is right across the Mississippi River. Did you know that Donaldsonville was actually the state capital before Baton Rouge took over the title?
The fourth smallest parish in Louisiana, population estimates for Ascension Parish in July 2021 are 128,369. The quality of Ascension Parish’s public schools helped the parish grow exponentially. In 2022, the parish ranked #4 in the state for public schools.
Ascension Parish is a close knit parish. One that feels like everyone knows each other. You will always run into someone you know wether it’s at the grocery, a kid’s ball game or a local festival. There are also lots of long time families that are still in the area. You can spend hours listening to them reminisce about the good ole days.
The largest city in Ascension Parish, Gonzales, is celebrated as the “Jambalaya Capital of the World”. If someone tries to serve you red jambalaya, tell them, “No Thanks!” We don’t cook red jambalaya here in Ascension Parish. That’s a New Orleans thing, and it’s gross! If you want a real treat, find some pastalaya. It’s jambalaya made with pasta instead of rice! :: chef’s kiss ::
The parish is home to many chemical plants. Many of the residents are plant workers ranging from blue-collar to CEOs. You will also find a lot of residents working in the medical field. The parish’s medical facilities are rising, and Baton Rouge is just next door.
If you are faith-based, Ascension Parish has many churches for you to choose from. The church fairs that some of the Catholic Churches put on are incredible! St. John’s Festival de la Prairie, Holy Rosary La Fete des Bayou Fair and St. Theresa’s Festival of Friends are some of the more prominent fairs.
Are you looking for a waterfront home or a weekend getaway? Ascension parish borders the Amite River and has a lot of waterfront options for you to choose from.
Some of the more popular areas to live in the parish are Gonzales, Prairieville, Geismar, St. Amant & Donaldsonville.
View the homes available in Ascension Parish HERE
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